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Villa Antea, Luxury in the Heart of Florence

Idyllic, Shady Streets

Walking down the Florentine vias (the word for road in Italian), I was stunned at how quickly they turn from a buzzing hive of activity of stores and tourists to a peaceful, residential oasis of peace & quiet.

B&B Villa Antea, positioned on one of these tranquil streets, is even more secluded behind it’s privacy wall and wrought iron gate; the ideal base for that romantic getaway or honeymoon (or even a second honeymoon) vacation.

It was so easy to leave the stress at the door as Diletta, the owner and your hostess, met me on the front steps. Behind her the grand facade of the 18th century palazzo framed the three high arched windows which opened to the lobby of the boutique accommodation and invited me to just sit and relax.

Where Space & Comfort Come Together

I marvelled at how, in only a question of minutes, one could transform their vacation from a lively exploration of renowned museums, monumental churches and statues to a relaxing escape set in absolute opulence and beauty. The simple elegance of the white ornate trimming, the custard colored walls, the antique furniture in pale green and the original artwork sparsely placed throughout the entrance and stairwell created a soothing atmosphere just like a small charming hotel.

I was in love. This was a place of dreams come true, and all so close to points of interest, restaurants, public transport and the “real” Florence.

Diletta started her tour of the 6 luxury suites, all situated upstairs in her family home just on the outskirts of the city center, by climbing the center stairwell in soft gray stone with artistic metal columns. The first room we visited had a tall, gracious window permitting a glimpse of the shade trees and garden that protect the villa. The large king size bed in no way dwarfed the room, instead the double bedroom was perfectly portioned allowing lots of space for moving your luggage, and making yourself at home.

The decision to make big - no, let’s make that enormous bathrooms - was to create a feeling of true decadence, invading every aspect of the room. Besides the white Carrara marble tiles, extra large showers, soft terry cloth robes, there are also lots of little extras like the complimentary soaps, shampoos, large and magnifying mirrors and a hair dryer. Each bedroom has its own heating and air conditioning system, so the room will always be at the perfect temperature. Modern conveniences follow you wherever you go in the bed and breakfast, with the cable TV, WiFI access, iron and clothes washer.

A Review of Villa Antea

We loved: all this beauty is only a short walk from the main Florence train & bus station

Ideal for: couples looking for a romantic setting or who appreciate understated luxury

Recipe for Romance & Luxury

The first ingredient in Diletta’s formula of deluxe accommodations at Villa Antea, is the use of space. From the very first moment you enter into the lobby you are aware of the generous rooms. The use of natural light, delicate colors on the walls and the high ceilings play together accenting the extra large bedrooms, bathrooms and common spaces. The second ingredient is the use of deluxe linens and window coverings; the texture is rich and the colors are striking accents lending that almost regal appearance to each and every area in the bed and breakfast.

Then there the are elements in the villa which Diletta couldn’t control because her great grandparents took care of it before she even came along. Like the fabulous mosaic floor in the dining room from the 1800’s called Palladiano. The villa, built when the city had yet to spread this far, is surrounded by large trees and a quiet little garden with tables and chairs. The bisnonni (great grandparents) keep Diletta company, framed in black and white on the second floor. Many are the comments, that the guests feel the “family” in the villa. There is a prevading climate that is warm and welcoming, comforting and reassuring.

Diletta was quick to point out that though the bed and breakfast is in a quiet residential area, it doesn’t mean that her guests will have a hard time finding restaurants, stores and public transport … “anzi” (Italian for “just the opposite”). The area around Villa Antea is the home to many restaurants - with a wide range of menus & prices. In fact, these restaurants are where the locals go. It is possible you will find the menus copied in English but, rest assured that the typical patron speaks Italian and expects a quality up to the standards of "la Mamma" (a home cooked meal).

Here you can stroll the streets after dinner and soak up a bit of the authentic Florence ambiance before retiring to the romantic B&B for the night. For those who want to walk..but not too much, there is the C1, or the mini bus, that takes you direct into the city center or bus number 13, which takes you to the top of Piazzale Michelangelo and the panoramic view of Florence.

I think our guests really appreciate being close so they can visit the museums, monuments and beautiful piazzas but then being able to come “home,” so to speak, where the locals are, the kids playing outside, couples promenading after dinner - even visiting the nearby cafe and being a part of life in Florence

A Point of Reference for your Vacation

Between Florina, Diletta and let’s not forget the mascot of Villa Antea, her little dog Marta, there is always someone on the property to assist you making reservations at the Uffizi, getting a taxi, buying train tickets and even there to let you in if you forgot your keys. This is all just part of the special attention that she likes to lavish upon her guests, and she believes it helps her guests to feel secure and safe, knowing there is someone close by at all times.

And why not pamper yourself on vacation? You are in one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, so why not allow yourself to be spoiled and stay at the fabulous accommodations Villa Antea. The deluxe decor is the perfect backdrop to the solicitous service and Diletta promises scrupulous attention to every detail regarding of your stay at this charming boutique B&B.

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Author: Donna Scharnagl

It has been more than 25 years since I took my first steps in Italy and I still haven’t found a good reason to leave. Between the food, the culture, the history, the art, the landscapes … did I mention the food? I have become a lifelong student. It didn't take long to learn that Italians all have stories that long to be told; stories that paint a picture of how hard work produces character, how life is made of ups and downs and how good it feels to laugh.